2019 Lexus ES now comes with a sportier flavor

AUTO NEWS

Lexus goes bold with the all-new ES, adds F Sport option

by Anton Andres

April 25, 2018 12:11

A week ago, Lexus unveiled the next-generation ES, showing off its bolder, LS-inspired design. However, they didn't quite go into full detail just yet. Now, the large sedan has made its public debut and the Japanese luxury marque is showing off its rear, the interior, as well as its specs.

To recap, the all-new Lexus ES features a bolder, wider spindle grill boldly displayed at the front. The new grill features a 'waterfall' design for its slats, similar to the UX crossover shows earlier this year. Headlights on the other hand are an edgier, more angular take of the soon to be outgoing model with its L-shaped daytime running lights and slim, upswept design. For the first time ever, the ES gets the F-Sport package. The package adds a sportier set of alloy wheels, a mesh type grill, deeper front apron, side skirts, a spoiler and a unique rear bumper.

A subtle character line defines the flanks of the big sedan and gives it a broad shouldered look. Adding a little more detail to the sides are creases by the bottom of the rear doors and C-shaped rear windows. The all-new ES breaks away from tradition from the models of the past and sees a roofline that emphasizes its lower stance. As for the rear, it presents Lexus' latest interpretation of the L-Finesse design philosophy with sharply chiseled lines throughout. LED tail lights then wrap around the quarter panels, giving the impressions of one continuous look.

Inside, it comes with a wraparound dash and door panel design pushed outwards to maximize space. The dash features two layers with a flat top section and a more rounded lower section. A thin strip of wood (or aluminum in the case of the F-Sport) surrounds the rest of the cabin. Like most of the latest Lexus products, the infotainment screen is a free-floating unit. To control the infotainment screen, Lexus has ditched the 'mouse' from the soon to be outgoing model and has replaced it with a trackpad.

Power seats with memory are standard for the driver, so is seat air-conditioning. The infotainment system is said to be similar to that in the LS flagship and comes standard with Apple CarPlay. Lexus adds that, despite the sloping roofline, the ES boasts more headroom with the rear seats being positioned lower. Speaking of the rear seats, climate control settings can be changed from its arm rest.

Also standard is the Pre-Collision System (PCS). PCS has also been enhanced to better detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar's sensitivity and dynamic range. One of the key features of PCS is daytime bicyclist detection.

There are three powertrain options to choose from in the 2019 Lexus ES. Lexus says a majority of the engines that will do service in the ES 350 is the 3.5-liter V6 now packing direct injection. With that, power is now rated at 300 PS and 355 Nm of torque, significantly up from the current ES. There's also a new 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission featuring an ultra-thin torque converter and multi-plate lock-up clutch to efficiently transfer power to the front wheels.

Meanwhile the ES 300h uses a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a revised hybrid drive system. Lexus claims a total output of 205 PS and fuel economy at 17 kilometers per liter in mixed driving conditions. Lastly, select markets are offered a new 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine to serve as the entry-level model. Lexus did not mention specifics with that particular engine but these will be badged as ES 250.